Ontario, California
Ontario was a fun comedy night in March 2024 — we caught Paul Rodriguez at the Ontario Improv and stayed over at a Best Western near Ontario Mills.
Our experience
This Inland Empire city east of Los Angeles is best known as a major airport and shopping hub, and we won’t pretend our visit was a sightseeing tour — it was about the show and an easy overnight.
But Ontario is a convenient Southern California crossroads with the sprawling Ontario Mills mall, a historic downtown centered around Euclid Avenue, and quick access to the mountains and the wider region. For us, it was another reminder that a great night out — a comedy club, a comfortable room — can be reason enough to visit.
Ontario was founded in the 1880s by Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey and was named after their home province of Ontario, Canada. Historic Euclid Avenue became the backbone of their planned “Model Colony” and remains one of the city’s defining landmarks today.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Ontario Improv — the comedy club where we saw Paul Rodriguez, located at Ontario Mills.
- Ontario Mills — one of California’s major outlet and value-shopping destinations, with more than 200 stores plus restaurants and entertainment.
- Historic Downtown Ontario — explore the historic Euclid Avenue district, civic buildings, and the city’s evolving downtown core.
- Ontario Town Square — a public gathering space in the heart of downtown along historic Euclid Avenue.
- Ontario Museum of History & Art — learn more about the city’s local history, culture, and development inside Ontario’s former City Hall.
- Graber Olive House — a historic local olive producer associated with Ontario since the late 19th century.
Our pro tip
We’d come to Ontario for a specific draw — a comedy show at the Improv, outlet shopping, or as a practical overnight near the airport — and pair it with an easy stay. Ontario Mills and the Improv work especially well together because the comedy club is located right at the shopping center, so dinner, shopping, and the show can all fit into one evening.
It’s a practical crossroads more than a destination in itself, but it’s well placed for reaching both the Los Angeles area and the mountains.
If you want to stay close to where we did, check Best Western Ontario Mills Mall on Klook, about a short walk from Ontario Mills and within easy driving distance of Ontario International Airport.
If airport convenience matters more, check Best Western Plus Ontario Airport & Convention Center on Klook.